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Watching TV through a computer

This isn't always an option for people and to be honest, I'm not sure about the electricity costs of this one, but rather than pay for a digital tv provider like virgin or sky and if you can't afford a freeview box, just watch TV through your computer.
There is a site called TV catchup where you can watch most freeview channels live. Yes you have to put up with adverts but saves a monthly tv package fee.
Obviously if you don't have good braodband, this wouldn't be so good, but it worked for us in the past. (P.S, you still need your TV license for this)

Re: Watching TV through a computer

You do not need a TV Licence for using catchup TV services, only for watching shows that are being broadcast at that time.

Frederickson - CCA Sent 11/4/07 - Lost - Claiming back from post officeConnaught Collections - CCA Sent 11/4/07 - No Agreement - returned to clientLowell - CCA sent 11/4/07 - No agreement - returned to clientMoorcroft - CCA Sent 11/4/07 - No Agreement - returned to clientRed Castle - CCA Sent 11/4/07 - Copy returned but no T&C'sRobinson Way - CCA Sent 16/5/07

Re: Watching TV through a computer

Point to remember>>> you still need a TV License if there is any TV in your home even if it is permanently turned off.

Rubbish !. You can clearly own a TV (although the line of whether it is actually capable of reciveing TV signals or is just a monitor is becoming blurred).

You can own a 'TV' if it isnt used to view live TV programs, some suggest that to be extra careful, make sure it is detuned and isnt capable of receiving TV signals and of course isnt connected to an aerial.

Re: Watching TV through a computer

Originally Posted by andydd

Rubbish !. You can clearly own a TV (although the line of whether it is actually capable of reciveing TV signals or is just a monitor is becoming blurred).

You can own a 'TV' if it isnt used to view live TV programs, some suggest that to be extra careful, make sure it is detuned and isnt capable of receiving TV signals and of course isnt connected to an aerial.

Andy

Rubbish? is it? I was informed by the TV Licensing Authority that if there is even a sniff of a TV being in your property then you need a License whether you use it or not. Don't take my word for it find out for yourself. This is what they told me!

Re: Watching TV through a computer

Originally Posted by Aicha

Rubbish? is it? I was informed by the TV Licensing Authority that if there is even a sniff of a TV being in your property then you need a License whether you use it or not. Don't take my word for it find out for yourself. This is what they told me!

Meaning of “television receiver”9.—(1) In Part 4 of the Act (licensing of TV reception), “television receiver” means any apparatus installed or used for the purpose of receiving (whether by means of wireless telegraphy or otherwise) any television programme service, whether or not it is installed or used for any other purpose

(2) In this regulation, any reference to receiving a television programme service includes a reference to receiving by any means any programme included in that service, where that programme is received at the same time (or virtually the same time) as it is received by members of the public by virtue of its being broadcast or distributed as part of that service

The law has been messed around with so much that it is certainly hard to understand.

Re: Watching TV through a computer

When digital switchover is completed, old style tv's without built-in freeview wont be able to receive any live broadcasts.

Will the TV Licence rules be updated to take this into account ?

I doubt..they are fast becoming overtaken by technology, for example has anyone been prosecuted for watching live TV on a computer or phone ?. I doubt it. In fact it will make it harder to prosecute people,becuase they could say, yes i own a TV but it is physically impossible for it to pick up any analouge TV signals.

Meaning of “television receiver”9.—(1) In Part 4 of the Act (licensing of TV reception), “television receiver” means any apparatus installed or used for the purpose of receiving (whether by means of wireless telegraphy or otherwise) any television programme service, whether or not it is installed or used for any other purpose

(2) In this regulation, any reference to receiving a television programme service includes a reference to receiving by any means any programme included in that service, where that programme is received at the same time (or virtually the same time) as it is received by members of the public by virtue of its being broadcast or distributed as part of that service

The law has been messed around with so much that it is certainly hard to understand.

Andy

It is certainly all very conflicting evidence! I know when i moved to my present address i wasnt using at any time, day or night TV. I would be at work all day and not get home until about 10pm so never ever had time to watch TV. Yet when they contacted me and a guy came out, (i had been so busy I forgot to give my new address) i explained there was a TV there but was perm turned off and i never ever watched it so the TV was there but nothing else. he told me even if there was any sign of a TV in the premises i would still need a license (got one now but still never watch TV) I called at the time and spoke to a couple of managers who confirmed this. Are they lying then?

Re: Watching TV through a computer

Originally Posted by CrappoMan

Errr....YES!

From their own website:

Its been pointed out a few times on this forum before that thje 'advice' given by TV Licencing in person oftyen differs from their website and in turn that law differs from the actual legislation, on first read it appears that simply owning a TV Receiver (a description thjat could include phone, pc, tv set, video, freeview, dongle, etc) means a licvence must be purchased but further reading of the descriptions implies (to me anyway) thats its only when used as an actual reciever that a licence is needed.

Bear in mind TV Oiks who knock at your door are not lawyers and I doubt they have a full understanding of the law.

Check out this gobodygook ..!!

Meaning of “television set”11.—(1) In Part 1 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967, “television set” means any apparatus which (either alone or in association with other apparatus) is capable of receiving (whether by means of wireless telegraphy or otherwise) any television programme service but is not computer apparatus.(2) In this regulation, “computer apparatus” means apparatus which—(a)is designed or adapted to be used (either alone or in association with other apparatus) for storing or processing data, but not for doing so in connection with the reception by means of wireless telegraphy of television programme services; and
(b)is not offered for sale or letting as apparatus for use (either alone or in association with other apparatus) primarily for or in connection with the reception (whether by means of wireless telegraphy or otherwise) of such service

Re: Watching TV through a computer

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Re: Watching TV through a computer

I certainly did not take this guys word for it which is why i called them on 2 separate occasions and spoke to the Managers who confirmed what he had said to me.

I have Sky (Phone broadband and TV) Obviously have the phone for the internet as i do not want to use a stupid dongle i have seen them in use. Otherwise i wouldn't have the phone as i do not use the phone either. (if i need to make any calls i use my mobile(s)) and like i have mentioned the TV is NEVER on so really i am paying for a License for nothing simply because i have a TV at my property.
I think i will just contact them and tell them i have been lied to and i want a refund of what i have paid for the last 6 years

Re: Watching TV through a computer

Originally Posted by dx100uk

you only need a license if you watch live tv

the myth of owning a tv requires one is rubbish and always was

as were detector vans

dx

True..but on reading the actual law it does mention the act of installing a tv receiver is an offence without a licence so it is conceivable that it could be read in the way.."if you own TV you must have licence", Im clear that is NOT the case but the law is rather messy.

As for Detector Vans, they clearly did exist at some point but its doubtful they were ever actually used much, the simple financial implications of running one compared to employing clueless door to door muppets means thjey were a non starter.

Re: Watching TV through a computer

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my views are my own...seek legal advice if necessary
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Re: Watching TV through a computer

Easy way to look at it, if you have a tv and a DVD player and only ever watch DVDs then you never need a licence.

Reason - when you buy a DVD you also without realising get a licence to view said DVD as much as you like so you've covered yourself. I've argued it with tv licensing and they backed down and admitted I was rite and they couldn't argue it.

Tv detector vans, pretty much all of them were empty inside and were only used as a scare tactic. All they used to do in the back of the van was eat lunch.